In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
As an immigrant, I spent my childhood in Taiwan and Japan before coming to Western cultures. This, I live with intertwining identities. I find that living with multiple ways of being (cultures; languages; values) makes it impossible to fit into a box. This can lead to a creative and interesting way of life; it can also be difficult to feel a sense of belonging and community. My journey is about growing and healing, finding community, and aligning with my inner vision of how I want to live this life: with love, with clarity, with fullness. “Where do I come from, Where do I belong, and Where am I going?” are the living questions I bring into this work. I believe therapy is a creative, evolving, and meaningful way to help us live a deeper and fuller life - with all the ups and downs, feeling lost, then finding direction - and ultimately, understanding ourselves and aligning with our inner calling. I'm here to help you align with your inner calling.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
To me, therapy is a creative, empowering and enlivening process. Each session is an opportunity to explore your life and try out new ways of being. A mentor once told me that "we are contextual beings": who we think we are, how we feel and show up depends on our environment and what it reflects back to us. The therapeutic space is one where you are supported to be who you WANT to be. This may be inspired by your intuition, creativity, dreams, longings, and struggles; even our most painful experiences can motivate us to change and be a fuller, truer version of our Self. I'm here to help you honor your journey.
What is your style/approach to therapy?
I currently offer video or phone sessions, and nature therapy sessions (phone-accompanied) that can include exercises with art and ritual. I use talking, visualization, ritual, art & imagery to help you create the life that you want to live. A few elements of my style include: Relational - I bring intention and care into our therapeutic relationship to make this a supportive time & space for you. Real - I am real with you about my personal experiences and what I observe in our work together. This way you receive honest reflections intended to support you and where you want to be. Multi-dimensional - I take in multiple facets of who you are, including your identities, upbringing & past experiences, social & environmental influences, thoughts & emotions, physical well-being, dreams & visions, connection to nature, and your intuitive Spirit: what it knows, and what it longs for. Creative - therapy is a creative process! YOU get to bring in the flavors, topics, and requests for what you would like in sessions. In turn, I bring my creativity in how I explore topics with you, including different exercises. Humor, laughter and creativity are highly important in the healing and growth process - as we inhale, so we exhale; as we cry, so we laugh.
Specialties
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
Identity development
Process of defining one’s own beliefs and sense of self. Evolves over time and can become a source of stress and pain, especially if the concept of self goes against social, cultural, or familial norms.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Fees
$130
First Session
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Group Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Art Therapy
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Existential Therapy
Experiential Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Multicultural Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Relational Therapy
Sandplay Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Transpersonal Therapy
Creative Art Therapy
Play Therapy
Training / Certifications
African American Multigenerational Trauma and Issues of Violence with Dr. Joy DeGruy
Licensure
CA, LMFT, 126440
Education
MA, Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
Work History
I especially welcome BIPOC clients and have worked with diverse groups of people in various settings, including: -Adults and teens in private practice -Youth of Color in Oakland schools (CA) -Restorative Justice with incarcerated men at San Quentin State Prison (CA) -BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) from various cultural backgrounds My work is supported by my experience with people from various walks and ways of life, including my personal relationships - from those well-resourced and able to pay out-of-pocket for therapy, to those experiencing varying degrees of systemic oppression and struggling to survive in their environment. This helps to relate to a wide range of perspectives and lived-experiences.
Location
Remote Therapy, Berkeley, 94702, CA